lathe programming

Ngcgui does not run .dxf files. In order to run a dxf profile it must first be converted to a .ngc file.
So you need to go from a CAD (.dxf file to a CAM file such as .ngc

Take a look here to start...

wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?Cam


Rick G

I haven't followed this thread, but in case it might help, I've used the dxf2gcode program to create g-code.
wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?Simple...e_and_produce_G_code

I draw the part profile in Qcad, then sometimes add roughing passes. dxf2gcode allows me to pick out a set, or all of the paths I need, then creates the g-code. I then combine the sets of g-code by hand, if needed, with the gEdit text editor..
--
Kirk Wallace
www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/
www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html
California, USA

Ok. I have solved my problem and I'm so far very pleased with the results.

I tried QCad and was quite disappointed with the outcome thus far. My lack of experience with QCad was a bit frustrating. I've tried all sorts of DXF to GCode converters, Tried running some of the crippleware Windows CAD/CAM apps from the intertubes but was met with failure.

I've done a fair share of modelling with Blender so I tried going back to what I know with that. I created a simple profile of a chess piece for testing:

Now I just need to somehow generate GCode with that. The nice thing about Blender is that is had a terrific python API. I wrote a Blender -> Lathe GCode script and was able to process my profile's X and Z coordinates and write function calls to create tool paths.

My script is here:

solar1.net/files/blender2lathe.py

It's crude but it nicely generated tool paths for progressive turning on the lathe, plus detecting concave pockets within the profile. So with this in hand I was able to create the part on a lathe that I had converted to CNC a few weeks ago.

Here is the YouTube video of creating of the pawn mentioned above:



If anyone finds this useful feel free to use my script. If you see improvements that could be made by all means send me feedback and if you can improve the python script let me know and I will update my copy.

Glad to hear you found a path from design to part that works for you.

Rick G